...How can we define ethics? What does ethics mean to you? Many years ago, a psychologist posed this question to a group of business people. To his surprise many of them had a wrong idea or were not sure of their own answers. Nowadays we are faced with a society that hardly knows or understands what this word means. Some people think that ethics has to do with what their feelings tell them is right or wrong, others take ethics as being a religious idea and belief, or something that the law requires. Many others think that it is a standard of behaviors that our society accepts. But what does ethics really mean, and why is it so important for everyone to understand? Due to a lack of ethics many business leaders have failed. In the year 2000, the nation of Peru faced a terrible fraud with Vladimiro Montesinos, who was the long-standing head of Peru’s intelligence service, under President Alberto Fujimori. Secret videos which he had recorded were televised. These videos showed his bribing an elected congressman to leave the opposition and join the Fujimori’s side of congress. These accusations and scandal caused Montesinos to flee the country and accelerated the resignation of Fujimori. Following investigations revealed Montesinos to be at the center of an enormous net of illegal activities, including embezzlement, graft, gunrunning, and drug trafficking. Montesinos has been tried, convicted and sentenced for numerous charges. “He also had strong connections with the CIA, the United...
Words: 1191 - Pages: 5
...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Ethics and morals go hand-in-hand in workplaces and organizations should be concerned about ethics and morals. Businesses that operate ethically and morally depend on how the managers, and employees behave, how they interact with each, and with customers. In this paper the difference between ethical issues and moral issues, differences between personal ethics and business ethics, and examples of common ethical problems in business will be discussed. Differences between ethical issues and moral issues Ethics and morals may seem the same but there is a difference. Ethical issues define the code used by a group or society of people. The ethics that people adhere to uses external factors, such as society, peer group, profession, and religion, and may change if any of the influencing factors changes ( Trevino & Nelson, 2007). For example, in England fox hunting was an ethical tradition until a legislation was put into place because of the protest of the evil nature of fox hunting and became unethical. Ethics are well defined and laid down; for example, professionals such as doctors and lawyers knows the ethics of their professions. A doctor will not divulge or discuss his or her patients medical history with anyone but the patient unless given authority by the patient or required by law. Also a lawyer will not compromise his or her client’s interest. Moral issues focus on the right and wrong and do not change. For example, it will always...
Words: 756 - Pages: 4
...Personal Ethics Development Paper PHL/323 March 26, 2012 Frank Campbell Personal Ethics Development Paper Today, the world is encountering many situations that make people question personal ethics in and out of the workplace. Ethics are the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or organization” (Treviño & Nelson, 2007, p. 13); ethics form the basis for determining the correct action, or moral behavior, in a particular situation. Everyone is given the freedom to choose right and wrong but when does an individual go from good to bad. Is it true that there are good apples and bad apples in the world? I live by an ethical system that I have observed over the last 28 years of my life. That system has been influenced by watching my parents work and live their everyday lives. How does ethics development occur? What is my ethical system? Does setting proper work ethics improve overall performance in the workplace? Why are ethics needed in an organization? Ethics are the foundation for individuals and organizations around the world. My ethics development has occur over many years of my life. I still believe that I am in the development stage. I remember growing up and observing everyone around and just beginning to understand right from wrong. At an early age, I was always doing things I shouldn’t be doing because at a young age we are still learning and figuring out how the world works. Once we begin to understand, then...
Words: 1139 - Pages: 5
...sometimes realize. Religion and ethics are obviously intertwined as it exist countless studies of Christian ethics, Islamic ethics, Hindu ethics and so on. Both religion and ethics serve a common need in our society. Societies are built on the plank of co-existence and mutuality. Ethics is the study of what "ought" to be. It is a theoretical study and is otherwise referred to as the study of morality. Moral is an important part in ethics. Ethics as a branch of “philosophy”, has three components (Feiser 2003): "meta-ethics" studies the sources and meaning of ethical terms; "normative ethics" does the more practical task of examining the moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct; and "applied ethics" examines controversies such as abortion, infanticide, animal abuse, environmental concerns, homosexuality and capital punishment. To behave ethically is to behave in a manner consistent with what is right or moral. Ethics is simply the principles used by people that control their conduct. Religion is a system of thoughts, feelings, and approach that is shared by a group of members and that gives the members an object of devotion; a code of behavior by which individuals may judge the personal and social consequences of their actions, and a frame of reference by which individuals may relate to their group and their universe. There is a spectrum of views about how religion and ethics are related from the view that religion is the absolute bedrock of ethics to one that holds...
Words: 1194 - Pages: 5
...Purchasing Ethics and how it Changes the Global Marketplace Assignment 3.4 Mike Wooddell ERAU LGMT 536 – Purchasing for Logistics and Supply Chain Management June 17, 2015 Abstract As organizations increase their global footprint, the need for reliable, ethical, and sustainable suppliers also increases. Understanding this need, more businesses are engaging suppliers that are the most cost effective and not necessarily the most ethical. This brings me to the research of purchasing ethics. Specifically how do ethics change the landscape of today’s global market? This paper will look at several factors that include the cross cultural understanding of ethics, the personal and professional responsibility, and several ethical challenges such as environmental responsibility and human rights and the impact it has on the global market. Key Words: business ethics, global market, cultural factors, professional responsibility, ethical challenges I. WHAT IS ETHICS – DEFINITION AND UNDERSTANDING Clearly define what ethics mean in the global market and the domestic market and how it is interpreted in each. II. CULTURAL FACTORS IN GLOBAL MARKETS Identify how cultural factors such as religion, sexual orientation, and accepted standard practices influence or hinder international and domestic business. III. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO BUSINESSES Identify the responsibility and moral obligation when ethical dilemmas occur, your personal...
Words: 3467 - Pages: 14
...Global Business Cultural Analysis: China LaTasha Baker GRST 500/501 Abstract Since the beginning of time when Adam and Eve left the garden, people have been increasing the geographic realm of their economics, political, social and ethnicity contacts. People begin connecting with other nationalities all of the world. This relationship provide wealth and progress along with adverse disputes within the relationship of countries (MacEwan, 2001). There are many reasons why companies covet to develop their business to other countries. There are many difficulties and a wide-range of benefits when a company expands globally outside of their cultural. When a company conduct business outside of their zone; research is required, patients, and a learning process. China and the United States has learned how to work international with business over the past years. The alliance between organizations, partnerships and private sectors has been the reason for the growth between the two countries. While concentrating on the customs, culture, language, anti-corruption and economic implications. You will explore the Chinese culture and its impact on local business structures. The comparison of China and the United States in regards to its cultural analysis will be provided, along with the implications for the United States businesses that wish to conduct business in China. Major Elements and Dimensions of Culture in China China Business Ethics Business ethics is the principal...
Words: 4057 - Pages: 17
...Bribery and corruption is a way of life in many countries. These practices affect the way international business is regularly conducted. However, in most of these countries, it is illegal to offer or receive bribes or engage in corrupt practices. Yet corrupt practices are a part of the ‘culture’ of ‘doing businesses. Unless companies ‘conform’ to such practices, in many cases, international business cannot be transacted. This paper will attempt to provide discussion about bribery and corruption in international trade example in vary different point of view in according to the principal ethical system suchlike religious, philosophical and ‘natural’. It will anayize the case of Siemens bribery scandal related to ethical issues. Bribery is a most important issue of concern to many companies. Incidents of bribery vary across many countries. Not everyone has the same opinion about this issue. Hong Kong and Greek managers are less critical of bribery in certain situations than Americas. Paying bribery carries with it a great risk to damaging the company reputation with the country which the briberies are paid and at home. Moreover, there is also the risk that the corporate culture of the company will become more open-minded of several of other practices at the legal issues. There is also evidence to suggest that those countries with the reputation for bribery and corruption damage themselves as it reflects in their economic growth has a low rates for high level of corruption. Corruption...
Words: 1520 - Pages: 7
...Understanding the Dilemma of Ethical Decision Making Understanding ethics and utilizing ethical business practices are key to the success in modern business. Traditional business organizations must take into consideration many more aspects of business today, than in the past when the focus was primarily on profits and making money for the shareholders. These ethical principles also influence non-profit and government organizations as well, taking into account the same ethical considerations that for profit organizations deal with. The modern concept of ethical organizations takes into account many issues, some of which include: • corporate social responsibility • the triple bottom line (economic, social and environmental) • ethical management and leadership • globalization • sustainability This list is not all inclusive. Ethics and ethical behaviors cover a wide range of factors and situations. Throughout the world there are many different definitions. With cultural, regional and society based interpretations of the concept. As such there are no world wide set of rules and no set standards of what is ethical. With the growing importance of ethics in the modern world, the fact that there are no set rules is fascinating. This begs the question, what is ethical? To understand this concept we must look deeper than the common definition of what an ethical organization is. There are so many factors that influence and affect an organizations ability...
Words: 6423 - Pages: 26
...Business Cultural Analysis Outline Saudi Arabia 1. What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region? 1.1. Introduction 1.1.1. Brief history of Saudi Arabia 1.2. Communication 1.2.1. Verbal and Nonverbal 1.2.2. High Context vs. Low Context 1.3. Languages 1.3.1. Arabic is the official language 1.3.2. English is widely spoken 1.3.3. Other languages spoken by non-Saudi population 1.3.3.1. Urdu 1.3.3.2. Farsi 1.3.3.3. Turkish 1.4. Religion 1.4.1. Islam 1.4.2. Christianity 1.5. Ethics 1.5.1. Business Ethics in Saudi Arabia 1.5.2. Issue of Corruption 1.6. Values and Attitudes 1.6.1. Concept of time/time management 1.6.2. Dealing with change 1.6.3. The role of gender 1.6.4. Social Status 1.7. Business Manners and Customs in Saudi Arabia 1.7.1. Business etiquette 1.7.1.1. Relationships and Communication 1.7.1.2. Business Meeting Etiquette 1.7.1.3. Business Negotiating 1.7.1.4. Dress Etiquette 1.7.1.5. Business Cards 1.7.2. Customs 1.8. Social Structures and Organizations 1.8.1. Social groups 1.9. Education 1.10. Hofstede's Dimensions of Culture 1.10.1. Individualism in Saudi Arabia 1.10.2. Power Distance 1.10.3. Masculinity 1.10.4. Uncertainty Avoidance 2. How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the nation? 2.1. Integration of communication in local business 2.2. Integration of language in local business 2.3. Integration of religion in local business 2.4. Integration of ethics in local business 2.5. Integration of values...
Words: 432 - Pages: 2
...those who study moral philosophy: virtue ethics, duty ethics and consequential ethics. Virtue ethics, associating ethics with personal habits, is associated with Aristotle. Duty ethics is associated with religious beliefs, although Kant tried to create a system of duties independent of belief in God. Consequential ethics is associated with the quest for rationalism during the Enlightenment, and especially with the Utilitarians. Virtue Ethics Plato and especially later Aristotle described moral behavior as “what the moral or virtuous person does.” The virtuous person develops a sense of right and wrong. This idea endures. We look to people we think of as ethical to give us advice on an ethical issue because such people have a sense of right and wrong. Aristotle tried to take the idea further, with less success. He thought that virtuous behavior meant people realizing their potential. He suggested that virtue was tied to moderation, a middle way between excess and deficiency. This idea is in practice not proven so helpful because where the midpoint is depends on where we put the extremes.[2] For example if an extreme drinker is someone who drinks six liters a day of vodka, then is three liters a day a moderate drinker? Markets operate without depending on the virtue of the business people who trade in them. But in practice ethical behavior is admired. Political campaigners like to focus on the ethical shortcomings of business, while businesses poke fun at the ethical...
Words: 2724 - Pages: 11
...Canada Global Cultural José A. Rivera Osorio GRST 500 Research Paper Prof. Jared Mink April 8, 2014 Abstract Canada is the second largest country in the globe with population of over 32 million, the largest and most important industry Canada has is oil and logging. For businesses who want to expand towards Canada they are eight dimensions of business culture that will be detail in this analysis, and how NAFTA was formed. The agreements between U.S. and Canada with provisions that will benefit both countries, Canada also has bilateral agreements in trade with European Union and Asia, however we will only analyze U.S.-Canada cultures in business. Canada’s History The first inhabitants of Canada were native’s Indian people, primarily the Inuit “Eskimos. The Norse explorer Leif Eriksson reaches the shores of Canada at Nova Scotia in the year 1000, but the country actually begun 1497 with the introduction of the white man, John Cabot Italian at the service of King Henry VII of England reaches Nova Scotia. Canada was lost to the English in the year 1534 by Jacques Cartier which was the settlement of New France 1604, but was then was Nova Scotia in 1608. Quebec was founded, France’s colonization were not successful and ended at the end of 17th century. They penetrated beyond the Great Lakes to the western prairies and south along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The English Hudson’s Bay Company in 1670 establishes themselves because of the abundance of fisheries...
Words: 3276 - Pages: 14
...Professional Values and Ethics Amy Surratt, Erik Hohmann, Deborah Lambert, Renee Gray, Heather Gibson Gen/200 February 28, 2011 Melissa George Professional Values and Ethics Dr. Price Pritchett once said, “We all faced painful ethical challenges before we even knew how to spell our names. There were tough choices, tradeoffs, and confusing signals regarding how to live one's life. And here we are now, today, still struggling. Still trying to sort things out. Still trying to work our way through life effectively. About the only thing that has changed is the scope of the problem. There is more at stake now. And we are in a position, as grownups, to do a lot more-good or bad-for ourselves, our organization, and our world. But we still must wrestle with our imperfect ethics.” (Pritchett, n.d.) This quote by Dr. Price Pritchett shows the struggle of personal ethics and values. Values and ethics are not a pre-written set of instructions, but rather something that we learn along the entirety of our lives. One must understand where values and ethics come from and more important how both values and ethics can impact one’s professional success. Values and ethics of professionals are moral principles and standards of conduct. Ethics are the principles of conduct that govern an individual or a group. Values are principles...
Words: 875 - Pages: 4
...[pic] |A History of Business Ethics | |By Richard T. De George | |The term 'business ethics' is used in a lot of different ways, and the history of business ethics will vary depending on | |how one conceives of the object under discussion. The history will also vary somewhat on the historian—how he or she sees | |the subject, what facts he or she seeks to discover or has at hand, and the relative importance the historian gives to | |those facts. Hence the story I'm going to tell will be somewhat different from the story someone else might tell in various| |particulars, and I hope that instead of being a dull recitation of facts it might in fact prompt some discussion at the end| |by those who would tell a somewhat different story. | |The story I will tell has three strands, because I believe the term business ethics is used in at least three different, | |although related, senses. Which sense one chooses therefore gives priority to nature of the history of the topic. The | |primary sense of the term refers to recent developments and to the period, since roughly the early 1970s, when the term | |'business ethics' came into common use in the United States. Its origin in this sense is found...
Words: 6492 - Pages: 26
...Weber “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” Max Webers “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” is an analysis as to the relationship between the emergence of the spirit of capitalism in the west and the ethics of Calvinism. He argues that Calvinism catalysed this creation of the capitalist spirit. His study arose when he asked himself why capitalism had emerged out of Western Europe before anywhere else in the world, even though the economic conditions seemed identical in many of these places. In this essay I will argue that this relationship between the two isn’t as paramount as Weber suggests, and in fact may be completely arbitrary. I believe this for a number of reasons including the distorting effect Webers use of a “ideal type” has and the fact that some areas where Calvinism was practiced heavily Capitalism developed a lot later in, while others with no Calvinist beliefs still did develop Capitalism. Weber starts his analyse looking at the intrinsic relationship between religion and business. He emphasises how sect membership is a sign that you are trustworthy and will be a good business partner, as admission to one of these congregations only happens after a careful probation, where your conduct, back to early childhood, is assessed and checked for any kind of frivolity. Admission therefore is a guarantee of the moral qualities of someone, it is a badge of honour showing you have those qualities that are required in business matters. As a result...
Words: 1590 - Pages: 7
...https:/www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/what-is-ethics/ Sociologist Raymond Baumhart asked once business people "what does ethics mean to you?". People replayed different, for example, hat is the feeling that tells them what is good and what is wrong, some individuals relayed ethics to the their religions and some linking ethics with the law. It is hard to answer on this term with one words or one sentence. Ethics should not be linking with the religion. Of course most recognized religion has high ethical standards, but not everyone on the planet is a religion person. Also the good religious people while back burn women on the stake. So religious does not mean good- at least not always. And of course, we have...
Words: 260 - Pages: 2
